NAPOLCOM Exam Coverage 2026: Subjects, Passing Grade and Qualifications

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The NAPOLCOM PNP Entrance Examination evaluates whether an applicant possesses the knowledge, communication ability, numerical skills and logical reasoning needed for police service.

This guide explains the main NAPOLCOM exam coverage, the topics applicants should review, the passing grade, general admission qualifications and practical preparation strategies.

Important: The PNP Entrance Examination is conducted by the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM), not by the Civil Service Commission. Passing the examination grants the appropriate entrance eligibility but does not automatically guarantee appointment to the Philippine National Police.

NAPOLCOM PNP Entrance Exam Coverage

The PNP Entrance Examination is generally an objective-type or multiple-choice examination. Its main subject areas are:

Subject Area Main Focus
General Information Government, laws, PNP history, criminal justice, current events and public service
Communication Skills Vocabulary, grammar, comprehension and written communication
Quantitative Reasoning Arithmetic, algebra, percentages, ratios and mathematical problem-solving
Logical Reasoning Verbal logic, analytical reasoning, patterns and non-verbal reasoning

The exact distribution, number of questions and wording of the topics may change in an official examination announcement. Applicants should use this page as a review guide and verify the latest information from NAPOLCOM before the examination.

1. General Information

Topics to review

  • Philippine Constitution
  • Philippine history and government
  • Relevant Philippine laws
  • PNP laws and history
  • Organization and functions of the PNP
  • Philippine criminal justice system
  • Current national and international events
  • Human rights principles
  • Public safety and crime prevention
  • Norms of conduct in public service
  • Social awareness and value judgment

General Information measures the applicant’s knowledge of government, law enforcement, public service and significant events affecting the country.

Applicants should understand the basic principles of the Constitution, the roles of the major institutions in the criminal justice system and the ethical responsibilities of public officers.

2. Communication Skills

Topics to review

  • Vocabulary
  • Synonyms and antonyms
  • Word relationships and analogies
  • Grammar and correct usage
  • Sentence completion
  • Identifying grammatical errors
  • Paragraph organization
  • Reading comprehension
  • Identifying main ideas and supporting details
  • Drawing conclusions from a passage

Communication Skills measures the applicant’s ability to understand written information and use the English language accurately and effectively.

Practice reading short passages and identifying their main idea, supporting details, purpose, tone and logical conclusion.

3. Quantitative Reasoning

Topics to review

  • Whole numbers and basic arithmetic
  • Fractions and decimals
  • Percentages
  • Ratios and proportions
  • Averages
  • Number sequences
  • Basic algebra
  • Word problems
  • Age problems
  • Work and time problems
  • Distance, rate and time
  • Basic geometry and measurement
  • Interpretation of tables and graphs

Quantitative Reasoning measures an applicant’s ability to understand numerical information and solve basic mathematical problems.

Practice identifying the correct mathematical operation and solving problems accurately within a limited amount of time.

4. Logical Reasoning

Verbal reasoning topics

  • Logical relationships
  • Statement and conclusion
  • Cause and effect
  • Assumptions and inferences
  • Syllogisms
  • Classification
  • Judgment and critical thinking
  • Analytical problem-solving

Non-verbal reasoning topics

  • Figure sequences
  • Pattern recognition
  • Odd-one-out problems
  • Spatial relationships
  • Shape analogies
  • Visual classification

Logical Reasoning evaluates the applicant’s ability to identify patterns, evaluate statements and arrive at a reasonable conclusion.

Base your answers only on the facts or patterns given in the question. Avoid adding assumptions that are not supported by the provided information.

Practice for the NAPOLCOM Exam

Test your knowledge after reviewing the examination coverage and identify the areas that need more study.

Answer NAPOLCOM Sample Questions

NAPOLCOM Entrance Exam Passing Grade

A passing result in the PNP Entrance Examination provides the police entrance eligibility appropriate for appointment to the entry-level rank of Patrolman or Patrolwoman, subject to the other requirements of the Philippine National Police.

Previous examination guidelines have generally identified a rating of at least 70 percent as the passing requirement. Applicants should verify the current passing rule in the latest official NAPOLCOM announcement.
Reminder: Passing the examination is only one requirement for entering the PNP. A passer must still meet recruitment standards and complete the required physical, medical, psychological, documentary and background screening procedures.

Qualifications for the NAPOLCOM PNP Entrance Exam

Civilian applicants are generally expected to meet the following minimum qualifications:

  • Be a Filipino citizen;
  • Possess a bachelor’s degree;
  • Meet the age requirement indicated in the current official examination announcement;
  • Submit the required application documents within the registration period; and
  • Meet any other qualification prescribed by NAPOLCOM for the examination schedule.

The examination may also be available to qualified Patrolmen and Patrolwomen holding temporary appointments because they do not yet possess the appropriate police eligibility.

Civilian applicants have generally been required to be at least 21 years old but not more than 30 years old on the date of the examination. Always verify the age requirement in the current examination announcement.
Examination admission requirements should not be confused with all the requirements for actual PNP appointment. Height, weight, health, physical fitness, good moral character and other recruitment standards may be assessed separately.

How to Prepare for the NAPOLCOM Exam

1. Take a diagnostic practice test

Answer practice questions from all four subject areas before beginning your review. Record your scores and identify the sections where you need the most improvement.

2. Prioritize your weakest subjects

Spend more time reviewing subjects where your initial score is lowest, while continuing to practice the areas you already understand.

3. Practice under a time limit

Timed practice improves speed and concentration. It also helps you decide when to skip a difficult question and return to it later.

4. Review every incorrect answer

Determine why each wrong answer was incorrect. Study the rule, formula or reasoning process instead of only memorizing the correct choice.

5. Follow important current events

Read reliable reports concerning Philippine government, public safety, laws and major national and international developments.

6. Use elimination when uncertain

Remove choices that are clearly incorrect, contradictory, grammatically unsuitable or unsupported by the information given.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is covered in the NAPOLCOM PNP Entrance Exam?

The main areas are General Information, Communication Skills, Quantitative Reasoning and Logical Reasoning.

Who conducts the NAPOLCOM examination?

The police entrance and promotional examinations are conducted by the National Police Commission, commonly known as NAPOLCOM.

Is passing the NAPOLCOM exam enough to join the PNP?

No. Passing grants the appropriate entrance eligibility, but applicants must still meet PNP recruitment qualifications and complete the required screening procedures.

Is a bachelor’s degree required for the NAPOLCOM entrance exam?

Civilian applicants are generally required to possess a bachelor’s degree. Confirm the latest educational and documentary requirements in the official examination announcement.

Does the NAPOLCOM exam include current events?

Current events may be included under General Information. Review significant national, governmental, legal, public safety and international developments.

Is the NAPOLCOM exam difficult?

The difficulty depends on the applicant’s preparation, reading comprehension, mathematical foundation, reasoning ability and time management.

Final Reminder

Use this NAPOLCOM exam coverage as a guide for organizing your review. Examination schedules, application procedures, qualifications and policies may change.

Verify important information through the latest official NAPOLCOM announcement before applying or taking the examination.